In order to draw the reader’s attention, a text must have both good design and accessibility. A good design efficiently portrays the text’s purpose to the reader and, as a result, is able to accumulate more interest in the public eye. Since both good design and accessibility are extremely vital to a successful writing piece, they are frequently integrated into both print and digital texts. Within these texts, various stylistic details are applied in order to improve the design and, altogether, effectiveness of the piece. One of these principles is the use and depiction of relevant images to accompany text. When an image is not utilized in context, it draws away from the message that the author is attempting to convey. Likewise, an inappropriately sized or placed image can also capture the reader’s attention more than the text itself. With a good design, an image should complement the text in order to strengthen the purpose of the piece. Another principle that is frequently used is the inclusion of white space. Though it may seem simplistic, white space can, ultimately, be the difference between an effective or ineffective text. White space is often used to separate the sections within a paper which retains the attention of the reader. Without the inclusion of white space, the text can become very distracting and the reader will get lost within the information presented to them. This can result in the reader becoming frustrated and turning away from the piece completely. Color is also an important design factor included in most texts. If an appropriate scheme is chosen, it can nicely complement the text. Certain color schemes, however, can become distracting and detract attention away from the primary message. When used correctly, color can tie the piece together and result in a cohesive text that gets its message across to the audience.
Accessibility and good design will share commonalities no matter what medium in which the text is presented. In fact, having a better design results in the information being more accessible to the reader. Proper headers, for example, improve the design of the piece while also making it easier to navigate. Park’s “Redesign” highlights that headers which are the same size and type font of the rest of the text have proven to be ineffective. The reader should be able to utilize the headers in order to identify the start and end of each section to more easily access the information. With no clearly established sections, the reader can become lost in the text and be unable to extract the information they were seeking. Therefore, proper headers are a prime example of how a good design correlates with accessibility. White space is another example of a stylistic choice that improves both the design and accessibility of a piece. White space, similar to headers, creates divisions between sections and makes the text easier to read. Large blocks of text can become tedious to read and will, ultimately, lead to the reader losing interest. White space alleviates the chaos that can occur when too much is placed into one portion of the text. By separating texts and images, the reader can discern what the most important information in the text is and the message it is attempting to convey.
Sometimes, good design does not always result in a piece being more accessible. Though color schemes can contribute greatly to the appearance of text, they can sometimes be a hindrance to its accessibility as well. The use of some colors can be distracting and not complement the material being presented, decreasing the effectiveness of the text. Usually, however, the colors are the stylistic choice that ties the text together to create a cohesive writing piece. Color can be used to underscore the more important information while also enhancing the overall design.
Attaining a balance between good design and accessibility is no easy task. White space should be used throughout the text but not in excess. Images should be incorporated but cannot be the piece’s primary focus. Color schemes should enhance the design of the piece but not to the point where it is distracting to the reader. Since there is no concrete answer as to what is the best way to balance design and accessibility, it is up to the author to decide. They should be able to identify their audience and cater to what they believe would fulfill their needs. For some audiences there may need to be more of a focus on design and for others more on accessibility but, ultimately, it is up to what the author believes will be most successful.
I completely agree with your statement about how in order to capture a reader’s attention, a text must have both accessibility and a good design. I think that having some sort of header is vital and like you said, it must be larger than all the other text in the piece, so it can stick out and the reader can automatically have some idea of what they are about to read. Also, if there are going to be pictures, I think if there is going to be color in them, that the image must have harmony in that the colors must go together and look pleasing. Using dull colors will not attract the viewer and might even discourage them from viewing the image and connecting it with the text, which might hinder their understanding of the piece as a whole. Also, I feel like all these aspects are all equally important in the creation of a document The white space must be present in order to allow the reader to obtain information from the piece, as well as having harmonious images that go along with what the text is actually presenting, and not just random images. With all this accessibility and well connected images, a piece is destined for greatness.
I really enjoyed how you brought up the point that misplaced photos can draw too much attention. As someone who often has a wandering mind and is pretty likely to get off track, a misplaced picture or too much color usage distracts me. What’s also interesting is how you and Park both touched on headers being the same size proves ineffective. As someone who is still relatively new to writing for the public versus writing for a professor, these little details can make or break designs. The switch from writing essays to writing for the public is an important one that we must master. The key word I see in your post is balance. Too much white space, not enough pictures, too many bright colors, all these aesthetic pieces are again vital for well-designed papers, pamphlets, brochures, etc. I also think what we ourselves as the creator of the piece may find visually pleasing may not appeal to others. Like you stated in your last paragraph, it is ultimately up to the author. Any little switch can lose a significant part of your audience if they’re absent-minded such as myself or can gain an audience with concise details aided by an aesthetically pleasing design.